This is the permanent participation guide. Exact runtime, prizes, eligibility and delivery requirements are added to each confirmed chapter rather than being scattered across old event pages.
Join solo or with a team. The format is designed for directors, writers, editors, performers, engineers, designers and curious hybrids. Chapter-specific age, location, cost and access requirements are published before applications open.
The chapter brief, production window and delivery deadline are announced together. Existing tools may be used, but the submitted film or builder project must be substantially produced during the chapter window.
Participants can arrive with a team or join the matching session. We deliberately connect creative and technical disciplines, then publish successful mixed-team stories after each chapter.
Creators retain ownership. Big Screen Hack receives the limited rights stated in the chapter terms to judge, screen, promote and archive submitted work. Every team must have authority to grant those rights.
Before public screening, teams declare the screenplay owner, models used, human-shot material, likeness permissions, music rights and any territory restrictions. Synthetic media does not make copyright disappear. Annoying, but true.
Film-track judging considers story, craft, originality and command of the medium. Builder judging prioritises usefulness, cinematic relevance, working execution and technical ambition. Sponsor challenges are identified separately from the independent main jury.
Dates, venue status, fees, permitted tools, runtime, prize currency, travel, accessibility, delivery specifications and screening rights will never be implied from a previous event.
